Novak's figure appeared instantly on the 350th floor of the abyss, then in rapid succession on the 400th floor, the 437th floor, until, finally, he arrived in the vast emptiness of the 600th floor.
The three gates of the abyss opened soon after, and Meikanxie, Winifred, and Gabul appeared together.
Normally, even a true divine-grade abyss lord would avoid leaving their territory for long; moving through other layers of the abyss imposed severe restrictions on their power. The abyss granted them immense strength but also enforced strict limitations. However, as the abyss master, Novak's authority could reduce these constraints temporarily. In time, as his power grew, he would gain even greater control over the abyss—perhaps enough to lead an assault into other worlds.
"My, my! To think Master Juggernaut could even convince Winifred to join us—it's more than I anticipated," purred Meikanxie, draped in blood-red, form-fitting armor, a thorny whip coiled around her waist to accentuate her striking figure.
At her arrival, Winifred and Gabul quickly stepped back, distancing themselves from the Succubus Queen, the embodiment of excess and desire.
Gabul, now shifting his form from a dark-robed figure to a skeletal apparition, opened his mouth and asked, "What does the Abyss Master mean by his previous words?"
Novak glanced at the three Abyss Lords with their varied forms and said with a smile, "The abyss is in constant chaos, with countless demons locked in battle. Now that I hold the mantle of Abyss authority, I seek to bring reform—an order amidst the chaos, so the abyss can thrive with purpose.
"As the three Lords of the abyss, your power and influence are crucial to expanding the authority of the abyss itself. What are your thoughts?"
The three Demon God Lords exchanged glances. Novak's words were undeniable. They owed their existence to the abyss and shared an inextricable bond with it. By elevating the abyss, their own power would grow.
Gabul, the most level-headed of the three, spoke again. "Abyss Master, with all due respect, though you wield the authority of the abyss, your current strength is insufficient to fully control it. Achieving total mastery will require a long journey. The will of the abyss won't permit us to assist you directly in seizing control."
The will of the abyss, a cold and relentless force born from the abyss itself, had indeed granted Novak the potential for mastery. However, like the commands of a merciless machine, it set rigid requirements that had to be met fully; no shortcuts were allowed.
Novak nodded. "I understand that. I will pursue my own strength and means. I didn't summon you here to demand help in strengthening my power for free. Rather, I'd like to hear your ideas for constructive changes to the abyss."
Winifred, with its nine heads, looked mostly uninterested in the topic—except for the fourth head, which adjusted its glasses and considered the matter. "The Juggernaut's idea is intriguing. We would indeed be willing to improve the abyss if possible. But we still don't know what specific changes your authority can make."
"Anything," Novak replied simply.
These words spoke volumes. It might sound exaggerated, but within the layers of the abyss that fell under his control, it was true. He could set rules—even something as simple as drawing a line in the sand.
Under the rules of the Abyss power, anyone who kills within this marked circle will face direct punishment by the abyss itself. This is the most straightforward authority granted by the power of the abyss.
Novak's control also extends to various modifications on each layer of the abyss. Not only can he influence the demon population, but he can even alter certain unique terrains. However, such changes require a draw from his personal strength in addition to the power of the abyss. This is precisely what fuels Novak's confidence in his ability to reform the abyss.
As the words "Anything can change" left his mouth, even the three true gods before him reacted visibly. Gabul's soul-fire flickered with envy and jealousy. Once a monk and the ancient god of the underworld, Gabul had been the ferryman across the underworld's rivers. When the ancient god fell, the underworld's divine power merged with the abyss to avoid the attention of the god of death. Gabul knew firsthand how powerful and boundless the will of the abyss could be.
Meikanxie, meanwhile, looked deeply into Novak's eyes, her gaze suddenly becoming soft and her body language subtly shifting. As for Winifred's nine heads, most remained indifferent, but the main head and the normally drowsy eighth head both turned to study Novak—a rare occurrence that hinted at their immense power.
Finally, Gabul spoke. "Abyss Master, can you share your own ideas about how you envision these changes in the abyss?"
Novak wasted no time. "I've established good relations with the God of Trade, Zogwort. He will help establish a goblin chamber of commerce within the abyss—a space for trade. I also plan to create safe zones in certain areas of the abyss."
"That goblin, Zogwort?" Gabul raised his eyebrows, clearly familiar with the trade god's reputation. Winifred also nodded in agreement. The abyss was a realm known for savagery, violence, and bloodlust; even currency held little power here. Winifred had often felt a surreal disconnect while reading about the use of money, given its rarity in the abyss.
Meikanxie perked up. "If there are safe zones, could the succubi perhaps offer...special services there?"
Novak found himself momentarily speechless, as the succubus queen was as direct as ever. Nonetheless, he recognized the value in all their suggestions.
And so, with the first constructive ideas exchanged, the opening session of the Abyss Reform Congress concluded on a promising note.